LoungeBuddy has been around for just over a decade. Founded in 2013, the company’s platform has provided a fast, easy way to find and book reservations at airport lounges. You could also explore amenities, understand access requirements (before booking, obviously) and share your airport lounge experiences with photos, reviews and ratings. This enabled travelers to discover, book and access airport lounges around the world.
American Express purchased the platform in April 2019, and from that point onward, lounge access could only be purchased with an American Express card.
The app will no longer be accessible as of July 1st
LoungeBuddy was available as an app for both Apple and Android phones, although they stopped using the Android app years ago. Unfortunately, it was recently announced that the iOS version of the app will soon be disappearing, as well.
The LoungeBuddy app currently shows the following message:
We Are Saying Goodbye
As of July 1st, 2024, the LoungeBuddy iOS app will no longer be accessible. On this date, all uder account data will also be removed. To all our loyal travelers out there, thank-you for the past many years and for living this app.
Export Your Trips
You have until June 30, 2024 to export your trips.
Meanwhile, Loungebuddy.com also has a banner on the top of their website:
As of July 1, 2024, the LoungeBuddy iOS Mobile app will no longer be accessible. American Express Card Members can still purchase lounge access with LoungeBuddy through the LoungeBuddy website.
Why are they shutting down the app?
They don’t say. However some are suggesting that updates, glitch fixes and development costs are much more expensive for apps than they are for websites. Android users were already used to using the website on their browsers, so they probably figured it was not a difficult ask for Apple users to do so as well. So, in the long run, it will save the parent company, Amex, money.
Just the app is going away
To be fair, LoungeBuddy.com isn’t going away; you’ll still be able to research airports for lounges and pay for lounge access (via your Amex) on their website. Just the app is going away. And even that only affects people using iOS-flavored phones because Android users have had to use the website instead of an app for years.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
1 comment
If you have the Priority Pass app and also the Amex app (with a Platinum card) you can easily search for lounges you have access. I had the Lounge Buddy app but haven’t needed to use it for years so can see why it is going away. No big loss IMHO